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The farmers are back, and so are the traffic jams

Ailish Lalor
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The farmers are back, and so are the traffic jams

Today, farmers are protesting again, following a call from the agricultural organization, LTO Noord. They are gathering around provincial houses, which will ensure nice long traffic jams all day.

LTO Noord called on its 14,000 members to protest last week, aiming to get provincial policy rules on nitrogen production off the table. The farmers believe they are being unfairly blamed in the discussion about climate change and the nitrogen crisis. It seems that the farmers are already having some success in their campaign, as the province of Friesland has withdrawn its plans to combat nitrogen following a protest at a provincial house there last Friday, according to RTL Nieuws.

Atmosphere tense in Groningen

However, in Groningen, the atmosphere has turned sour, as farmers threaten to storm the provincial house. The deputy, Henk Staghouwer, has refused to meet the farmers, and to take the proposed measures against the nitrogen crisis off the table. More farmers are  making their way to the provincial house to support their peers. The police have just announced that they will also be sending more officers, according to NOS. 

Agriculture responsible for 40 percent of nitrogen production

The agricultural sector is responsible for 40 percent of the nitrogen production affecting Natura-2000 areas (areas of natural beauty). Due to nitrogen deposits in these areas, biodiversity disappears and plants become extinct. It could take over 50 years for these areas to recover from this pollution.

Researchers announce measures to combat nitrogen crisis

Researchers have therefore put forward a number of measures to tackle the nitrogen crisis, with most of them pertaining to the agricultural sector. Farms nearby Natura-2000 areas must be cleaned up, farmers must invest in techniques to lower nitrogen emissions, and the number of livestock in the country must shrink- GroenLinks proposes to cut it in half.

Have you been caught up in a traffic jam today? Let us know in the comments below. 

Image: Max Pixels

Attacker sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for stabbing at Amsterdam Central

Kavana Desai
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Attacker sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for stabbing at Amsterdam Central

The court has sentenced Jawed S., an attacker who stabbed two American tourists at Amsterdam Central Station on August 31, 2018, to 26 years and eight months of prison time, report NU.nl. 

The Amsterdam police and the court convicted him of two attempts of murder with a terrorist motive. He is also charged with threatening three officers as he advanced on them with his knife, before being shot in the leg and reprimanded.

The 20-year-old waited around 45 minutes at the station before he stabbed the victims while they were standing at the information desk. One of the victims was stabbed in the back and is now in a wheelchair. S. also lashed out at the other victim leading to the person to have permanent nerve damage.

amsterdam central station
Image: Ingrid Bischler/Pixabay

However, he stated that he did not intend to attack tourists. His initial intention was to “scare the Dutch population”, said the judge. According to NU.nl, he does not regret doing it. He was also given a psychological evaluation but was found to not have any mental disorder. The judge believes him to be a “repeat risk,” RTL Nieuws reported.

He decided to travel from Germany to Amsterdam after right-wing, populist PVV leader Geert Wilders proposed a “cartoon competition” about prophet Mohammed in June 2018. S. felt that it was an insult against the prophet.

“I had come to the Netherlands to protect my prophet,” RTL Nieuws quotes S. “Why did you give that dirty pig the opportunity to insult the prophet? By you, I mean the Dutch state. You have many pigs here. One is the big one, that is Wilders. ”

Feature Image: Ingrid Bischler/Pixabay

Fancy a picnic on the motorway? Car-free Sunday could be a thing soon!

Ailish Lalor
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Fancy a picnic on the motorway? Car-free Sunday could be a thing soon!

MPs from GroenLinks and ChristenUnie have voiced their support for an annual car free Sunday, reports NOS. Car-free days can draw attention to other ways of moving around the city, and increase the sense of community in each area.

Other European countries have trialed car-free Sundays in various cities, usually as part of European Mobility Week in September. This week aims to call attention to climate change and air pollution- both issues that have garnered a lot of attention recently in the Netherlands.

Car-free Sundays in the Netherlands today

Car-free Sundays have taken place in some places in the Netherlands- they are usually organised by municipalities. However, their organisation has not been structural and they are fairly rare. The MPs from ChristenUnie and GroenLinks are hoping to change that, by getting the support of the minister. The event would still be organised on a municipal level, but nationwide.

Car-free Sundays in the Netherlands in the past

This would actually not be the first time the Netherlands has had nationwide car-free Sundays- in the 1970s, during the oil crisis, cars were left at home due to the gasoline shortage. “Now there is no oil crisis, but we are dealing with a climate crisis, a nitrogen problem and poor air quality in the cities,” says Dik-Faber, MP for ChristenUnie.

Drawing attention to alternatives

The MPs are also enthusiastic about the other benefits a car-free day could bring to cities- community and a party atmosphere. GroenLinks MP Kröger says that a car-free Sunday would be a celebration of alternatives to cars. “[The car] takes up a lot of space, not only physically in our cities, but also in terms of environmental impact. It would be nice if we could leave the car one day a year, to draw attention to the alternatives: walking, cycling or using public transport.”

Community spirit

Dik-Faber recalls a car-free day in her hometown, Veenendaal. “The whole of Veenendaal ran out to meet each other that day. It was really a party.” With most cities in the Netherlands at least somewhat segregated according to class and background, such a day could be a small step towards more cohesive and integrated cities.

… and PVV’s thoughts

As usual, Geert Wilders’ PVV is not a fan, with PVV MP Van Aalst calling the plan “crazy” and advising MPs to “use a little less laughing gas before releasing these climate-neutral test balloons.”

What would you think of a car-free Sunday? Have you experienced one before? Let us know in the comments below. 

Image: MADe/Wikimedia Commons

 

Amsterdam by Night: The Dutch capital is ravishing when its dark

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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Amsterdam by Night: The Dutch capital is ravishing when its dark

The world is filled with wondrously beautiful natural sites if you’re willing to go deep into forests, jungles and oceans. For those who are less stricken by the wanderlust required to see them however, there are a few cities in the world which can be equally striking with half the effort. Today we will take you on a tour of Amsterdam by Night, a city which has inspired many songs and artists throughout the years and which only grows prettier the darker it gets.

Enjoy the Amsterdam by Night ride:

So put on the below ode to Amsterdam by Dutch artists Acda and the Munnik, and enjoy these gorgeous pictures by Dutch photographer Renzo Gerritsen (check his wicked FB-page!)

 

Oh, before we forget – these photos may not be used without the written permission of Renzo Gerritsen. So no stealing people!

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

 

Amsterdam by Night: Old and New

The combination of old and new is particularly striking in Amsterdam by night. Most of these houses were build during what the Dutch refer to as the “Golden Age”. They’re still some of the most sought after, and thus expensive, houses to live in in the Netherlands. In fact right wing populists have taken to referring to left wing politicians as “elites from the canal belt”. And who can really blame them? Looking at these photo’s we’re quite jealous too.

Amsterdam by Night Amsterdam by Night

That’s is the Eye Filmmuseum, next to the ADAM lookout tower and right across the river from Amsterdam’s Central station, a mere ferry away! Currently there’s an ongoing exhibit on Martin Scorsese, which by all accounts is worthy of a visit for any film enthusiast! We were there for a showing of Tarantino’s Hateful 8, as this was one of the few theatres in Europe which showed it in 65mm!

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Nemo! Check out our report of this awesome science museum right here!

Amsterdam by Night

 

Liking this article? Be sure to follow DutchReview on Facebook in order to not miss out on any other good stuff!

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Train and tram rails run through most of the city, and while this may ruin some of the old aesthetic, it is quite practical. And if you know anything about the Dutch you should know; we’re practical before anything else!

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

Amsterdam by Night

If you’re interested in seeing more of Renzo Gerritsen’s work, and if you’re not interested by now we don’t know what’s wrong with you, check out the links below! 

www.RG-FOTOGRAFIE.com  

https://www.facebook.com/RenzoGerritsenFotografie/

https://twitter.com/RG_Fotografie

https://www.instagram.com/renzogerritsen

 

That’s it for now! Still not satisfied in your appetite for nice pics? Check out our instagram-channel!

Amsterdam at night! #adamtower #ij #nightscene by @renzogerritsen from @nachtelijkamsterdam

Een bericht gedeeld door DutchReview (@dutchreview) op

Liked this article? Be sure to follow DutchReview on Facebook in order to not miss out on any other good stuff! And let us know what you thought of these photos in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This photo report was originally published on 08-09-2016 but updated for your reading pleasure on 11-10-19. 

Cabinet will not keep investors out of housing market despite rising prices

Ailish Lalor
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Cabinet will not keep investors out of housing market despite rising prices

Interior Minister Kajsa Ollongren has announced that the Dutch government will not take measures to keep investors out of the housing market. However, she admitted that this was not “a future-proof solution”.

A study commissioned by the ministry, and carried out by the Land Registry and the University of Amsterdam, showed the effects of investors on the prices of houses in the Netherlands. One outcome of the study was that in certain regions- namely, Amsterdam, Groningen, The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, investors were paying less for homes than first-time buyers, or people moving house.

The effect of investors on house prices

In these regions, investors make up 20 percent of buyers. This is higher than the Dutch national average, which is 15 percent. And, critically, the influence of investors on house prices is visible when they make up only 10 percent of the total number of buyers.

What does that mean in practice? Well, if 10 percent of buyers are investors, house prices will be 3 percent more expensive, explains nu.nl. And the higher the percentage of investors is, the greater their impact on the price. When investors make up 25 percent of buyers, homes are 11 percent more expensive.

Minister: a causal link cannot be demonstrated

However, stopping investors from buying properties does not mean that house prices will automatically fall, the research shows. Other factors also influence the house prices of a neighbourhood, such as the attractiveness of the area. On these grounds, Minister Ollongren argued that a causal link between investor purchases and house price increases cannot be demonstrated.

More new houses should be built

She also believes that investors are needed for a healthy housing market. “They provide capital to build new homes and, in recent years, [they] have led to an important development in the mid-rental segment [of the market].” For the minister, the answer to housing shortages is to build more new houses, rather than stopping investment.

Feature image: Carina Persson/Pixabay

Could pedal-powered cars in the Netherlands be the future?

Abigail Claire
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Could pedal-powered cars in the Netherlands be the future?

We know the Dutch love bikes, but sometimes they have to settle for a car instead. So what did they do? Create a pedal-powered car! Dutch engineering company BPO have worked with Saudi Arabian inventor Nasser Al Shawaf to construct the prototype of a FitCar PPV (Pedal-Powered Vehicle). 

Nasser Al Shawaf first came up with the idea of a pedal-powered car when he was commuting to work. He wanted to do something more productive with his time. When he first commissioned BPO to help him, the founder, Oscar Brocades Zaalberg, admitted he was hesitant to agree to the challenge.

How does the car work?

Both the company and Nasser are incredibly proud of the results. It’s basically a car with bike pedals and a hand-operated brake. When you start pedalling, the accelerator is triggered, powering the normal engine. The car comes with three simple settings: Drive Fast, Drive Slow and No Drive. Their studies suggest a calorie burn-rate of more than 300 per 30 minutes!

How safe is it?

Holland might be the perfect place to introduce the car first, seeing as the Dutch are so used to cycling every day anyway, but some people are wondering how safe this will be. The company is patented across the world, but it still waiting for RDW approval in the Netherlands to finally get on the road.

Meanwhile, why not read about the new ban on texting whilst cycling, the new answer to congested bike-parking or check out our other articles on Dutch transportation?

So, are you someone who feels completely restless whilst sitting in traffic and could benefit from a little exercise during that time? Or are you thinking, “Sure, nice concept, but couldn’t this get old pretty quickly?” Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: FitCar PPV/Supplied
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published October 4 2018. We’ve fully revised and updated it with the latest information October 11th 2019. 

Two injured in stampede outside new MediaMarkt in Leidenschendam

Ailish Lalor
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Two injured in stampede outside new MediaMarkt in Leidenschendam

On Thursday, two people were injured in an overexcited crowd outside a MediaMarkt store in Leidenschendam. According to police, hundreds of people had gathered outside the store.

The injuries occurred at the entrance to the store, where the large crowd had to funnel in through the narrow gates. According to nu.nl, people pushed and shoved each other while trying to squeeze through the gates.

Dutch people love free things

So why were these people so excited about the new MediaMarkt store? I mean, vacuums and blenders are great, but they’re not exactly exciting- I think we can all agree on that. It turns out that the reason the crowd was so excited to enter the new store was the fact that the first 100 people to enter the store would get free earphones worth 115 euro. Dutch people love free things- love them dangerously, in fact.

Situation quickly brought back under control

The two injured people suffered bruises, which were treated on site by ambulance personnel. By 10:50 police had the situation under control.

Would you get this excited about free earphones? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature image: Donald Trung/Wikimedia Commons

Brave New World and Beyond Human: the art and science events you need to attend this autumn

Ailish Lalor
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Brave New World and Beyond Human: the art and science events you need to attend this autumn

Brave New World is a conference held each year in Leiden to investigate how future technology will shape human life. It’s a fascinating collision of philosophy, culture, society, storytelling, science and technology that is graced by lots of fascinating speakers each year.  

If you’ve been wondering how advances in science and technology will affect your business, how the government behaves, or how you go about your daily life, this is a conference you can’t miss.There are over twenty speakers at this year’s event, and of course we can’t talk about all of them in this article. But there are a couple that I really wanted to bring to your attention, particularly if you were humming and hawing about whether or not to go. You can get your tickets here!

A robotic speaker?

First of all, there’s BINA 48. If you’re thinking, wow, what sort of person has a name like that, you’re not wrong to be curious. BINA 48 is actually a robot, who presents as a black female, and who is based on the wife of biotech entrepreneur Dr. Martine Rothblatt. BINA 48 will be joined by Bruce Duncan, M.Ed. Director of the Terasem Movement Foundation, who will introduce her and explain how the experiment is progressing to the audience. Super exciting- I don’t think many of us will have come across such a humanlike robot before, so the presentation BINA 48 is well worth a visit.

Thomas Thwaites lived as a goat in the Alps. Image: Brave New World

Goat Man comes to Leiden

Moving onto a speaker who is at least a little more human: Thomas Thwaites, otherwise known as Goat Man. In 2016, Thwaites used prosthetic technology to become a goat- he lengthened his arms and gave his legs “hooves”, and most disturbingly, attached a rumen, the first part of a grass-eating animal’s digestive system, to his chest. He ate grass, hung out with goats (admittedly, goals) and generally tried to escape from “the angst inherent in being a human”, in his own words. I, for one, am so excited to hear him speak and get more details of his life as a goat.

James Bridle explores a New Dark Age

One last speaker you should definitely pay attention to is James Bridle, an artist and writer. He writes about culture, networks and literature for publications like The Guardian, Wired and The Atlantic, and has had his artworks exhibited worldwide and on the internet. He has also written a book, called “New Dark Age”, which explores how artificial intelligence, computers and the internet are currently affecting our daily lives and the ways we think.

Each day there will be panel discussions on various topics at Brave New World. Image: Brave New World

What will the conference look like?

So, what can you expect from the programme at the conference? It takes place on the 4th and 5th of November, and begins each morning at 9am with registration. Events take place in a couple of forms: there are individual talks by some speakers, and panel discussions on other topics, such as “The Future of Sex and Reproduction” or “What can we learn from animals?”. There is, of course, a break for lunch, and an interactive session where you can meet and network with the other people attending the conference.

There’s more: The Beyond Human Festival

If this sounds exactly up your street, and you’re feeling sad about it only being two days long, fear not. There is actually a week-long event accompanying Brave New World called Beyond Human. This is the first year this additional festival is happening, and promises to give us a glimpse of the future of humans. It will go from the 4th to the 10th of November, so during and right after the conference.

The Beyond Human Festival will be full of interactive exhibits. Image: Brave New World

Bumper Ballet, Games and Politics, and so much more

The festival will have events like Bumper Ballet– which is like any fairground ride right up until the point when the computer takes over the steering controls. It will be going on every day of the festival from 9am to 6pm on the Cultuurplein. From 9 to 5 each day there will be an exhibition called Games and Politics, in which you explore the political potential of video games. And there is so much more- I’m pretty glad that the festival extends well beyond the conference: this way, everything can be fitted into your schedule. Most events are completely free, with the exceptions of the Brave New World and Smart Culture conferences.

Both the festival and the conference will be a fascinating and engaging- but they will also be important. It’s easy to forget how important technology is to humanity now, even as we spend all day typing words and scrolling. Paying attention to how this will play out in the future is crucial to both our quality of life and to our very existence. We may not end up as goats in the Alps, or as robots, but our lives will continue changing at the breakneck pace we’ve experienced for the last fifty years. So: be there, or be square (literally).

So, will you be going to the Brave New World conference? Or will you stick with the Beyond Human festival? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature Image: Brave New World.

Tips on how to work your way through college in the Netherlands

DutchReview Crew
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Tips on how to work your way through college in the Netherlands

Holland is an attractive destination for students who want to study abroad. One reason for this status in the international learning community is quality. Wageningen University & Research, University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Erasmus University Rotterdam – these Dutch schools are among the best higher education institutions in Europe. Times Higher Education ranked Wageningen University & Research on the 59th position in its World University Rankings 2020.

Although these schools are much more affordable than U.S. and UK universities, an additional source of income is always welcome for students. They may get scholarships and loans, but some of them may need to work throughout their higher education.

What if a student wants to travel through Europe during their vacation? What if they need to pay for essay writing assistance or they want to go out with their friends as frequently as possible?

You’ll find great opportunities for work and study in the Netherlands.

girl thinking, student
Thinking of working and studying in the Netherlands? Don’t worry, you have a lot of options! Image: Анастасия Гепп/Pixabay

It may not be crazy expensive to study in Holland. However, when you realize that the Dutch student culture is based on nightlife, you won’t want to miss out on the fun. Even the smallest cities have an impressive nightlife. Staying social takes money, so you’ll need to earn it.

Let’s see how you can do that.

Figure out the regulations

The Dutch government imposes some restrictions as to who can work in the country. It’s easier for EU citizens. All they need is Dutch health insurance and a BSN. The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is a unique number that each Dutch citizen has. As soon as you start your studies in the Netherlands, you’ll need to obtain your number.

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you already obtained Dutch health insurance before coming here. You’ll need the BSN, just as EU citizens do. But you’ll face another important requirement: a work permit. The government will issue this permit only if a company that hired you applies for it. The company has to be registered in the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands.

student writing
If you want to work and study in the Netherlands, you have a lot to figure out. Image: Free-Photos/Pixabay

This is a complex requirement that not all foreign students can get. But if you get hired by a company registered in the IND, it shouldn’t be a problem.

An internship is a way to avoid getting the work permit. You’ll sign an internship agreement. But of course; keep in mind that internships pay less.

Try freelancing

You are allowed to be self-employed in the Netherlands. You won’t need a work permit for this, so it’s the perfect opportunity for a foreign student to get money.

International freelancing sites offer various jobs for an essay writer, graphic designer, programmer, photographer, and any other profession that can be done remotely.

multitasking
Freelancing is by far the most flexible way to work and study in the Netherlands. Image: William Iven/Pixabay

Did you know that many students hired useful essay services when they can’t handle their assignments? If you’re doing well with your studies and you have some extra time on your hands, you can complete an extra programming, graphic design, or writing assignment. You’ll get paid for offering tutoring and homework help to students from all around the world. Businesses also need writers and other types of freelancers.

If you freelance, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay taxes. Get well informed; you don’t want to get in trouble with tax authorities.

Choose a part-time job

Between school and parties, are you sure you can handle a full-time job? Most students can’t. The Dutch educational system is challenging. No professor is going to cut you some slack just because you’re a foreign student who works. You have the same responsibilities as any other student, so that’s your priority.

A part-time job will take anywhere from 10 to 15 hours per week. You can easily fit it in your daily schedule without lagging behind on studying material.

Once you graduate, it will be easier to find a full-time job at a company that applies for your work permit. Until then, education is your priority.

smiling boy
You work and study in the Netherlands very easily with a part-time job. Image: JesseMcFly/Pixabay

Find the balance

Are you a productive person? Can you attend all lectures, complete all assignments, do some studying, and still have extra time on your hands? An average student is overwhelmed by the studies themselves, so they don’t even think about getting a job.

friends
Friends will always get you through! Image: Helena Lopes/Pexels.com

But if you can be more productive than average, fitting a part-time job is no big deal. You can freelance for an hour or two per day and do most of the studying during weekends. You’ll still have time for socializing. When in Holland, it would be a shame to miss out on the parties.

You should only find the balance. Making monthly, weekly, and daily plans will help with that. Use your favourite to-do and note-taking apps, so you won’t forget any assignments and work responsibilities.

Good luck!

Do you work and study in the Netherlands? Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Turkish attack on the Kurds in Syria condemned by the Netherlands and the rest of the world (except by Trump)

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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2
Turkish attack on the Kurds in Syria condemned by the Netherlands and the rest of the world (except by Trump)

Sad times for the Middle East and world peace once again as the Turkish army has been attacking northeastern Syria and the SDF since yesterday morning. This area was under the control of Kurdish forces, who played a major role in beating Isis. Most Dutch people and politicians are also shocked by Trump’s betrayal and Turkey’s cynical attack.

Turkish troops were able to enter the area due to a shocking withdrawal of American forces, as a result of a phone conversation between Trump and Erdogan on Sunday. During this conversation, Trump betrayed the Kurds to Erdogan. Since then the world has expressed its disgust at this act of betrayal.

Yesterday there were airstrikes and artillery barrages aimed at previously US-backed Kurdish forces by the Turkish army, as they advanced into the area. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, eight civilians were killed. The Kurds have been a critically important ally for the West in the fight against Isis, and even now guard most of the prisons with Isis members in them.

Trump is a traitorous idiot

Trump mildly criticised the assault, releasing a statement saying, “The United States does not endorse this attack and has made it clear to Turkey that this operation is a bad idea.” However, as usual, Trump had a quick change of heart later in the day. He justified allowing Turkey to attack the Kurdish area by saying the Turks and the Kurds had been fighting each other for centuries, and “[The Kurds] didn’t help us in the second world war, they didn’t help us with Normandy … but they’re there to help us with their land.”

Dutch politcians condemn this move and not even the Republicans back him

The move has been widely criticised, both within the US (by both Republicans and Democrats) and in the global community. The UN Security Council will meet today to discuss the invasion, but their response is probably not going to be in the Kurds’ favour, as both Russia and the US support Turkey. The Netherlands has condemned Turkey’s actions, with the Minister for Defence, Ank Bijleveld, saying that Turkey is taking “irresponsible risks” with the safety and stability of the region. 

We must do more for the Kurds

Kurdish people in the Netherlands are planning a week of protests in response to the attacks, and to Trump’s withdrawal of support to them. Demned, an organisation of Kurds in the Netherlands, will be demonstrating at the Malieveld in The Hague on Saturday. They want the Dutch government to take concrete actions in defence of the Kurds in North-East Syria, rather than just talking about it. A spokesperson for the group says, “talking about it is what is mainly happening now. But that doesn’t scare Turkey.”

Dutch MPs have said on Monday that Europe must do everything in its power to stop the offensive, and some MPs are now discussing the imposition of economic sanctions on Turkey. This is unheard of, as Turkey is a part of NATO, and therefore officially an ally of the Netherlands. They fear increased refugee flow from the area, as well as a revival of Isis. The Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok has summoned the Turkish envoy, as well as condemning the invasion. 

The EU has also condemned the invasion and urged Turkey to halt it, saying that the idea of establishing a safe zone to which refugees could return was unlikely to become a reality.

The Dutch politicians and other Europeans just bark and don’t bite

Trump might be a traitorous moron and Erdogan a vicious dictator. But the Dutch, French, British, Germans and all other politicians who now are all about sanctions and ‘condemning statements’ which never really came through for the Kurds.

Even when the US asked them to put troops on the border between Syria and Turkey, the Europeans sleazed their way through all kinds of political talk in order not to commit serious military resources to defeating Isis and protecting their brave Kurdish allies. And even now you can count on them doing nothing, maybe a economic sanction here and a nice new hospital for Kurds there, but nothing that will significantly help the situation there.

The Netherlands might be even worse hypocrites than the other European nations, as they’ve actually helped out the jihadist-groups that are now aiding Turkey with their invasion.

Still, Europeans showing no backbone is nothing new and doesn’t make the betrayal of the Kurds by Trump (or Erdogan’s attack) any less of disgrace.

As always with any war nowadays, this is also an online narrative-battle. Show some support with the #TrumpBetrayedTheKurds hashtag, or mail or tweet to your local politician. 

Source feat image: wikipedia/public domain /Sgt. Arjenis Nunez

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